Canto for a Gypsy, Martin Smith — 1st Edition

£34.99

Canto for a Gypsy, Martin Smith — 1st Edition

Name: Canto for a Gypsy, Martin Smith — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4087-RM-FR-VG-4
Price: 34.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

In stock

£34.99

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Arthur Barker Limited, 1975

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [vi], 206.

Condition Report: Fine. This copy presents remarkably well, retaining a tight, square binding that suggests minimal reading. The publisher's black cloth boards remain clean and sharp, with the red stamping to the spine completely unoxidised and bright. The page block shows only the faintest uniform age-toning and remains entirely free from foxing or internal marking. The original pictorial dust jacket is preserved in highly attractive condition; it is unclipped, bearing the £2.25 net price on the front flap, and exhibits only mild surface rubbing typical of glossy black covers, alongside negligible edge-wear at the spine extremities.

Catalogue Note: First UK Edition of the author's second mystery novel, originally published in the United States in 1972. Issued before the author legally changed his name and achieved widespread acclaim, this early title is credited simply to "Martin Smith".

The Roman Grey novels have become increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly in the UK first edition state with an intact, unclipped dust jacket. The preservation of the jacket without significant chipping or loss elevates the desirability of this copy for collectors of 20th-century mystery fiction.

Roman Grey, the astute gypsy antique dealer introduced in Gypsy in Amber, returns in a gripping tale of international intrigue. When the historic Royal Crown of Hungary goes on display at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the UN persuades Grey to oversee its security. Aware that his outsider status makes him the perfect scapegoat should anything go wrong, Grey enlists the help of his friend, Police Sergeant Isadore. Together, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of forgers, ex-Nazi art thieves, and a ruthless killer, all while unearthing a centuries-old secret dormant within the priceless artifact itself.

ISBN: 0213165066

Book Condition: Fine

Book Authors: Martin Smith

Book Publisher: Arthur Baker

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Crime & Mystery

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 191

Book Publication Year: 1975

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Cloth

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Roman Grey

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.